Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
The Old Dominion state enforces control over distilled spirits’ sales, which are only allowed in Virginia ABC stores. It is information like this, along with data outlining the alcohol consumption trends by type, the local tax laws, and the rules necessary for brands, manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors looking to establish a presence in the Virginia market. Luckily for you, we have prepared this and much more. We also have a contact form that you should fill out, and a Park Street representative will get back to you with help and guidance on entering the Virginia alcoholic beverage market.
Consumption Trends In Virginia
Looking for consumption growth trends occurring within the state of Virginia? If so, then please see below. We cover growth for spirits, wine, and beer below along with charts for visualization of the growth comparison by product type. The data is displayed over a five-year period. There’s been a +3.95% CAGR for spirits, +0.53% CAGR for wine, and -0.61% CAGR for beer over this particular 5-year period.
Virginia Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Virginia Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Virginia Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Virginia Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Virginia by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 997 | $210 |
| Canadian Whisky | 243 | $42 |
| Scotch whisky | 149 | $47 |
| Irish whiskey | 83 | N/A |
| Gin | 243 | $54 |
| Vodka | 1,494 | $302 |
| Rum | 528 | $89 |
| Tequila | 426 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 1,035 | $237 |
| Cocktails | 197 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Virginia Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
See below for the wine trends in Virginia by volume sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 10,000 |
| Wine Coolers | Unknown |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 262 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 25.4 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 16.4 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Virginia Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in Virginia by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 6.0 | 192.6 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 5.2 | 167.4 |
| Super & Super Premium | 8.5 | 273.0 |
| Light | 30.7 | 990.3 |
| Popular | 2.0 | 63.9 |
| Imported | 13.1 | 423.5 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Virginia
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Bacardi
Smirnoff
Jim Beam Family
Crown Royal
Fireball
Jack Daniel’s
Hennessy
Aristocrat Vodka
Jose Cuervo
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Virginia
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Virginia
- Coming Soon
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Virginia
The United States operates under a strict three-tier system when it comes to selling alcohol. The “middle tier” of the industry consists of wholesalers or importers. These businesses receive products from the lower-tier, which consists of suppliers and manufacturers. They then sell the products to distributors, who sell them to retailers. The retailers then sell to consumers. All sales must take place within the the three-tier system in the United States.
Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Virginia. Need more info on the many distributors of alcohol throughout the US? Check out the full list of distributors or fill out the contact form provided.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
Coming Soon
More Distributors in Virginia (A-Z)
Coming Soon
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
In the environment that we operate in today, it can be difficult to find distributors willing to sell your brand.
As you may or may not know, there are hundreds, even thousands of brands and far fewer distribution businesses to move your product through the tiers.
To reduce complication and increase the chances of getting distribution, many use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution approach..
The self-pitch distribution model is comparable to the three-tier conventional distribution model in that goods is distributed to retailers, but the main distinction is that the supplier is in charge of sales and marketing.
Selling Alcohol In Virginia
Alcohol sales and regulation in the state of Virginia is controlled by Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC). They handle everything from on-premise licensing to the possession, sale, distribution, and transportation of alcohol. Should you be interested in learning about the liquor laws that exist in the state, I suggest visiting Abc.Virginia.gov.
Now, if you’re interested in selling alcohol in the state, then you need to understand the rules and regulations applicable today. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular questions and answers related to the sale of alcohol in the state of Virginia.
FAQs on Virginia Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Virginia?
The state of Virginia allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Still, the state restricts the sale of booze between 12 AM and 6 AM on Sunday, and retailers that are located within 500 feet of a church cannot sell alcohol on a Sunday before noon.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?
Per Virginian law, local retailers are permitted to sell alcohol between 6 AM and 12 AM, Monday to Sunday. Businesses that sell food and drinks, like restaurants and clubs with mixed liquor licenses can sell alcohol from 6 AM to 2 AM, while off-premise and retail locations must stop alcohol sales at midnight.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Virginia?
Walmart, Target, and CVS follow Virginia state laws and sell alcohol from 6 AM to 12 AM, following the same regulations as other retailers.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Virginia?
Virginia state laws allow only wine and beer sales at grocery stores. Distilled spirits are only sold at state-owned and operated liquor stores that are usually open from 10 AM to 9 PM Monday to Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Virginia?
Customers in Virginia can buy beer and wine from almost any gas station. These sales places are allowed to sell beer and wine but not hard liquor, which is only sold at state-run ABC stores.
What is the alcohol excise tax in Virginia?
Virginia has a relatively high tax rate on alcohol compared to other states. The vendors are required to pay a 4.3% general sales tax on top of the state excise tax of:
- Wine Tax – $1.51/gallon
- Beer Tax – $0.26/gallon
- Distilled Spirits – sold only in state-run stores; no additional tax is charged
The Federal alcohol excise tax is also included in the price of the alcoholic beverage sold in Virginia, and this is as follows:
- Beer Federal Excise Tax – $18.00/31-gallon barrel, or $0.05 per 12-oz can
- Wine Federal Excise Tax – $1.07 to $3.4/gallon; $0.21 to $0.67/750ml bottle
- Distilled Spirits Federal Excise Tax – $13.5/proof gallon or $2.14/750ml 80-proof bottle (40% ABV).
Buying Alcohol In Virginia – Hours, Locations & Taxes
You must also understand the buying side as well. Below you will find a list of questions and answers related to buying alcohol in the state of Virginia. Should you be interested in understanding more than what’s published below, please reach out to us for more information.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Virginia
Can you buy liquor online in Virginia?
Yes, you can buy online legally in the state of Virginia.
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Virginia?
In Virginia, you can only buy wine and beer in grocery stores; this is an Alcoholic beverage control state, so distilled spirits are only sold in state-run alcohol stores called ABS stores.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Virginia?
Virginia gas stations sell beer and wine, but hard spirits are only sold in state-run liquor stores.
Does Virginia allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
Virginia allows direct-to-consumer or DTC shipping of alcohol limited only to wine and beer; hard liquor is not eligible for DTC shipping. Also, retailers can ship up to two cases of wine or two cases of beer per month to a single consumer.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Virginia?
On-premise alcohol retailers with mixed liquor licenses, like restaurants, bars, and clubs, can sell alcohol daily from 6 AM to 2 AM. Off-premise alcohol retailers like grocery stores and gas stations can sell alcohol from 6 AM to 12 AM daily. The state-run ABC stores in Virginia that sell hard spirits are generally open from 10 AM to 9 PM from Monday to Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.
Can you order alcohol to go in Virginia?
During the pandemic lockdowns, the Commonwealth of Virginia allowed retailers to sell alcoholic beverages to go, allowing restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages with takeout meals. This policy has been extended and is now in place until July 1st, 2024.
Where in Virginia can you buy alcohol off-premise?
You can buy beer and wine for off-premise consumption in any grocery store, gas station, Walmart, Target, CVS, and similar retailers. However, you can only purchase hard liquor from state-run ABC stores for off-premise consumption.
Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Virginia?
Any Virginia establishment with a mixed liquor license can sell wine, beer, and hard spirits for on-premise consumption from 6 AM to 2 AM.
(Data Sources – abc.virginia.gov, wikipedia.org)
At Park Street, we provide services to thousands of clients looking to expand their reach and improve their processes. Services provided include but are not limited to financial accounting, beverage compliance, logistic operations, and more. Reach out to us for more information on our services offered.
Looking For An Importer, Distributor or Back-Office Solution?
Find out why Park Street is a leading distributor and solution in the wine & spirits industry. Contact us to find out exactly what we can do for your brand.